By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-17 13:11:22 | Updated at 2025-03-18 00:25:40
11 hours ago
GB News host Bev Turner has launched a furious attack on Britain's welfare system, questioning "what have we done to this country" as Labour prepares to unveil major reforms.
Her comments come as Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall prepares to announce a "right to try guarantee" for disabled people, that will prevent people receiving health-related benefits from having their entitlements automatically re-assessed if they enter employment.
A recent Department for Work and Pensions survey found 200,000 people on health-related or disability benefits were ready to work with the right support.
Speaking about this on GB News, Bev Turner said: "Work is good for dignity. It's something we've got to remember.
Andrew Pierce agreed: "We've made it too easy for people to claim and live on benefits. The benefits system should be a fallback system. It shouldn't be a way of life."
Bev said: "Correct. It's become a lifestyle. It has. But clearly, something has gone wrong there. I think the key question is what you said about why we are so much less healthy.
"Why are people so ill all the time? What have we done in this country?
"We are supposed to be a wealthy country, yet people are overweight, out of shape, unfit, and out of work. It's not good enough."
A Government source told PA: "The broken welfare system we inherited is trapping thousands of people in a life on benefits with no means of support."
The reforms are part of Labour's plan to cut £6bn from the welfare bill, which ministers have described as "unsustainable".
Changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are expected to make up the majority of the anticipated savings.
Reports initially suggested PIP payments might be frozen rather than rising with inflation, though this may have been reconsidered following backlash.
Ministers are also looking to tighten eligibility requirements for the non-means-tested benefit.
Universal Credit payments to those judged to have limited capability for work are also expected to be cut.
The total benefits bill reached £48bn in 2023-24 and is forecast to rise to £67bn by 2029-30.
The reforms have sparked significant division within the Labour Party, with as many as 80 MPs reportedly prepared to vote against the welfare cuts.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has voiced concerns, writing in The Times: "There is no case in any scenario for cutting the support available to disabled people who are unable to work."
